Meet the (Western) Winners of the 2022 James Beard Awards
Some of the most prestigious awards in the restaurant industry were just handed out.
Thomas J. Story
Some of the most prestigious awards in the restaurant industry were awarded in June as the James Beard Foundation named its annual winners for the first time in two years. There were plenty of Western-based chefs, restaurants, and more up for recognition.
Top honors went to longtime Phoenix mainstay Chris Bianco, who earned the title of Outstanding Restaurateur for his trio of restaurants Tratto, Pane Bianco, and Pizzeria Bianco. The chef is also slated to open a pizzeria in downtown Los Angeles this month.
Arizona also got a nod for Outstanding Baker thanks Don Guerra of Tucson’s Barrio Bread.
This year, California’s Best Chef title went to Brandon Jew, the culinary genius behind Mister Jiu’s in San Francisco. Spicy, crispy peanuts kick off a flavor-packed, Chinatown-inspired feast from Jew’s latest cookbook, and we’ve got a handful of recipes for you to celebrate the win at home.
The James Beard Foundation’s awards “recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” according to a press release. Honors range from best chefs in various regions across the United States to outstanding bakers and pastry chefs.
